Mild uterine prolapse generally doesn't cause signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe uterine prolapse include:

• Sensation of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis
• Tissue protruding from your vagina
• Urinary problems, such as urine leakage (incontinence) or urine retention
• Trouble having a bowel movement
• Feeling as if you're sitting on a small ball or as if something is falling out of your vagina
• Sexual concerns, such as a sensation of looseness in the tone of your vaginal tissue

Often, symptoms are less bothersome in the morning and worsen as the day goes on.

Uterine prolapse results from the weakening of pelvic muscles and supportive tissues. Causes of weakened pelvic muscles and tissues include:

• Pregnancy
• Difficult labor and delivery or trauma during childbirth
• Delivery of a large baby
• Being overweight or obese
• Lower estrogen level after menopause
• Chronic constipation or straining with bowel movements
• Chronic cough or bronchitis
• Repeated heavy lifting

Factors that can increase your risk of uterine prolapse include:

• One or more pregnancies and vaginal births
• Giving birth to a large baby
• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Prior pelvic surgery
• Chronic constipation or frequent straining during bowel movements
• Family history of weakness in connective tissue
• Being Hispanic or white

Uterine prolapse is often associated with prolapse of other pelvic organs. You might experience:

• Anterior prolapse (cystocele). Weakness of connective tissue separating the bladder and vagina may cause the bladder to bulge into the vagina. Anterior prolapse is also called prolapsed bladder.
• Posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele). Weakness of connective tissue separating the rectum and vagina may cause the rectum to bulge into the vagina. You might have difficulty having bowel movements.

Severe uterine prolapse can displace part of the vaginal lining, causing it to protrude outside the body. Vaginal tissue that rubs against clothing can lead to vaginal sores (ulcers.) Rarely, the sores can become infected.